Maltol

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Maltol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Maltol is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For school-age children (5 years and older), maltol used on the skin in small amounts is generally considered low risk. It’s used to add pleasant smell or taste and is not expected to cause lasting harm when used as intended.

What to Do

Choose products made for kids or labeled for everyday use. Do a small patch test on the arm before using a new product. Use the smallest amount needed, avoid applying to large areas of skin every day, and keep products away from the eyes and mouth. If your child has eczema or very sensitive skin, ask your pediatrician before use.

⚠️Warnings

One scientific review found a weak signal for hormone-related effects (reported by the National Toxicology Program) — this is why frequent, high-dose, or large-area use should be avoided. Other safety reviews by regulatory bodies say maltol is acceptable for limited uses and not likely to be toxic or to build up in the body (sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environment Canada). Stop use and wash the area if your child gets redness, rash, swelling, or any unusual reaction, and contact your child’s doctor if the reaction is significant or if your child has ongoing skin conditions.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

No Known Risk: Current government reviews and studies find only very low or no safety concerns for normal use on the skin. A national toxicology program found only weak signs of hormone activity in limited tests, while health and environment agencies have said it is not expected to harm organs, does not build up in the body, and is allowed in limited food uses. For typical topical use, there is no clear, higher-than-low risk identified.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Maltol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

maltolFT-0615804DB-002512M0673NCI60_002320KSC-11-228-8SC-46175MALTOL SOLUTION, 1 WT. % IN BENZYL ALCOHOLSY011358MALTOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDN095

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Maltol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Maltol or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Maltol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Maltol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Maltol

Is this kid-friendly to use Maltol?

Yes, Maltol is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the no known risk risks of Maltol for children?

No immediate health concerns found based on current research.

What products contain Maltol?

Maltol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can kids start using products with Maltol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product